Page:A Biographical Dictionary of the Celebrated Women of Every Age and Country (1804).djvu/274

260 Oxenstiern, whose father having been justly honoured with the confidence of Gustavus, had governed Sweden with an authority almost absolute during Christina's minority; who soon began to be weary of his yoke. The peace, however, so much desired and so necessary, was at last concluded in 1648. The success of the Swedish arms rendered her the arbitress of this treaty, at least as to the affairs of Sweden, to which it confirmed the possession of many important countries.

No public event of importance took place during the remainder of her reign, for there were neither wars abroad nor troubles at home. This quiet might be the effect of chance, but it might also be that of a good administration. The great reputation of the queen, and the love her people had for her, ought to incline us to the latter determination.

The peace had lightened the cares of government, but they were still too weighty for her. "I think I see the devil!" said she, "when my secretary enters with his dispatches." The Swedes, among whom refinement had made little progress, but whose martial spirit was now at its height, could not bear to see the daughter of the great Augustus devote her time and talents solely to the study of dead languages; to the dispute about vortexes, innate ideas, and other unavailing speculations; to a, perhaps affected, taste for medals, statues, pictures, and public spectacles, in contempt of the noble cares of loyalty; and were yet more displeased to find the resources of the kingdom exhausted, in what, they considered, inglorious pursuits and childish amusements. An universal discontent arose, and Christina was again pressed to marry. The disgust occasioned by this importunity, first suggested to her the idea of quitting the throne. She accordingly signified her intention of ,